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Podiatry

Podiatrist treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle, and related structures of the leg.

Podiatry involves the treatment of conditions below the knee, including those affecting the lower leg, ankle and foot. It may involve treatment of common skin conditions, nail conditions or biomechanical related conditions whereby the relationship between the leg and foot incorporating the ankle joint is important.

Common Foot Conditions Treated

Skin

These include the debridement (removal) of calluses, which is an over production of skin on the foot in response to pressure.

Other skin conditions include plantar verrucae's, which are warts on the bottom surface of the foot which can become painful with weight-bearing activity.

Fungal infections of the skin of the foot are also common due the environment within shoes where ventilation is poor and moisture can build up, these are also contagious through water droplets in public bathing areas such as showers and pools.

Bacterial infections can also occur on the skin particularly when there is injury to the skin surface, or when circulation is poor.

Nail

Nail conditions may include thickening of the nails due to either trauma, fungal infection, neglect, or poor circulation.

Ingrown toenails are also commonly treated.

Diabetes

Care of the diabetic foot has become an important facet of podiatry due to possible complications involving the sensory and vascular system of the foot and leg. With poor diabetes control the circulation and / or nerve supply to the feet may be compromised. Neurovascular testing of the diabetic foot is recommended every 12 months and ongoing visits.

Biomechanical Injury

Various lower limb injuries related to activity and overuse syndromes may have a biomechanical cause. Gait analysis and biomechanical assessment. Related conditions;-

Podiatrists are able to identify underlying causes to various injuries and treat accordingly using strappings, foot orthoses (custom made insoles), stretching/strengthening programs, footwear advice and managing injury in the acute phase.

Footwear

Podiatrists have knowledge in footwear design and research, and are able to identify common features in a shoe which are important. Poor non-supportive footwear can lead to some of the above conditions. Podiatrists may direct their patients to the appropriate shoes for their foot type and presenting symptoms, giving them examples of styles, brands and models.